Vegan Pizza

I used to be addicted to cheese.  I could eat an entire plate of Mozz and Tomatoes and not even feel guilty about it.  The fresh mozzarella, so silky and smooth.  garden fresh tomotaoes so ripe and fragrant.  I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.  The problem became the my body kind of began to reject Dairy products.  I'd get so sick after consuming even the smallest amount that it just wan't worth it anymore to me.  So, I've been slowly trying to cut these foods from my diet.  Tonight I am going all out and making a vegan pizza.  Zero cheese.  No dairy whatsoever.  Even a homemade pizza dough.  How very Martha Stewart of me!

FOR THE CRUST (Makes 2 Crusts):

This recipe is courtey of The Pioneer Woman.  She has amazing recipes.  Although, they are not necessarily calorie concious.  And she loves cheese.  Which is why I love her.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Active Dry Or Instant Yeast
• 4 cups All-purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Preparation Instructions

  TO MAKE THE CRUST:
  Sprinkle yeast over 1 1/2 cups warm (not lukewarm) water.
  In a mixer, combine flour and salt. With the mixer running on low speed (with paddle attachment), drizzle in olive oil until combined with flour. Next, pour in yeast/water mixture and mix until just combined.
  Coat a separate mixing bowl with a light drizzle of olive oil, and form the dough into a ball. Toss to coat dough in olive oil, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you need it. ***It's best to make the dough at least 24 hours in advance, and 3 or 4 days is even better

*I've also made this in just a big 'ol bowl without an electric mixer just mixing it with my hands and it turns out equally as well.  I also usually freeze the second crust for later use and it still thaws out nicely for later use.

THE ANTICIPATED TOPPINGS

I have some veggies in my garden that will need picking before the first frost hits, so I think I am just going to use those as toppings.

•  Garlic Olive Oil "Sauce"
• Fresh Tomato Slices
• Green Peppers
• Red Peppers
• Artichoke Hearts (canned-I don't have those growing!)
• Black Olives (also canned)
• Fresh Basil sprinkled on top

This all sounds delicious on paper but I will let ya'll know how it actually turns out.  I'm still nervous about pizza without my beloved cheese!


What challenges has everyone out there faced with a diet?  Whether it be a diet for medical reason or just to drop a few pounds, I'd love to hear your thoughts!